At William Head, I asked H_____ if I could sit with him, and he agreed. We were then silent -- him reading and me staring at the wall. This lasted for five minutes, when at last Fred joined us and started a conversation with H_____. I left, feeling rather embarassed. I regret remaining silent. I guess at the time I wanted H_____ to have space, but perhaps that is not what he needed -- perhaps he needed to be heard and understood. In a similar situation in the future, I will ask if the person wants to chat or needs space -- then I'll have the clarity I need.